resume for college student with limited work experience

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 College Student No Experience Resume Examples & Templates [Edit Free]

College Student No Experience Resume

• College Student No Experience 2
• College Student No Experience 3
• College Student No Experience 4
• College Student No Experience 5
• Resume Writing 101

Sometimes, ambitious college students can’t wait to start working. Janee considered how to show value on her resume as a grad: Dreaming of working as a business analyst at Resource Data fueled her to research the company and think of relevant college achievements.

Janee recalled real projects from her degree in math and economics that saved a local manufacturer thousands. Even her stint as basketball captain highlighted her ability to organize, boost morale, and drive positive results.

Referencing her class movie recommendation project and the time her random forest model outperformed projections by 19 percent, Janee topped off her college student no experience resume with a career objective . Bam—hired. Try our resume templates for yourself; we can’t wait to applaud your success, too!

or download as PDF

College Student No Experience 2 Resume

College Student No Experience 3 Resume

College Student No Experience 4 Resume

College Student No Experience 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Current College Student
• College Student Internship
• College Graduate
• Grad School
• College Student

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Background Experience

When you lack experience, your skills become more important than ever! As a college student, you now have a nice, clear understanding of what you can do, and recruiters want to know all about it.

Make sure you list skills that are relevant to your field. For example: If you’re eager to step into the world of business analysis, then prioritize technical skills and highly relevant abilities.

And make sure those skills are worded in a deliberate and specific way, too! The last thing you want is to sound too apathetic about your future role to dig deeper than the usual generic terms on your resume.

Here are some examples of more specific skills you can use to show off your potential:

9 Best College Student No Experience Skills

• scikit-learn
• Linear Regressions
• Logistic Regressions
• Data Reporting
• Google Sheets

Sample College Student No Experience Work Experience Bullet Points

Now we’re on to the fun part! No really: It’s time to get creative and look for some nifty spins to put on your past projects and internships. Class groups, teams, clubs, and volunteer initiatives can all be used to demonstrate your ability to make the most of your skills, too.

Just make sure that anything you include is highly relevant to the field you want to work in! Use those sharp, specific skills you honed earlier to recall examples of experiences when you used them.

And always measure the impact you had when you reached those milestones! Use quantifiable data to back up your achievements and make them look way more credible:

• Reported to executives during business analytics class and initiated re-evaluation of resource allocation, saving $47K in vendor costs
• Aggregated data from Rotten Tomatoes and used k-nearest-neighbors in scikit-learn to improve recommendation system for personal tastes, boosting positive feedback by 12%
• Organized a community outreach for the university basketball team to train at-risk high school students and boost morale, leading high school teams to win 92% of total games
• Compiled and prepped 4 years of fantasy football projection data from 8 independent sources into a MySQL database, boosting positive ratings by 14%

Top 5 Tips for Your College Student No Experience Resume

• I know, I know, we just talked about it, but this really is a crucial aspect of your resume! When you don’t have any job experience yet, you’ll really need to hand-pick the most relevant bits and pieces of as many projects and college teams as you can.
• Many people hear “one page” and assume that filling their resume page is as important as limiting themselves to one page only. But this isn’t the case: Just focus on your best relevant achievements and allow some white space for things to breathe.
• Get strategic about your skill placement. Group similar types of skills together, such as everything related to Python, followed by everything related to data analytics, and so on.
• By all means, try out as many of our resume templates as you can! But while you compare them, keep a deliberate eye out for which one makes your college and project history look the fullest and most impressive.
• Keeping your experience examples sleek and to-the-point demonstrates your ability to get things done and convey info efficiently. You don’t have time to ramble since recruiters have to read things quickly!

Honestly, this isn’t something to worry much about: As long as it’s all together in one place and easy for recruiters to spot at a glance, you’re fine.

Customize it for each job description . It’s easy: All you need to do is reference the job description again and grab some key phrases and buzzwords to switch out in your resume, and boom: You’re now delivering a hand-tailored resume that’s designed to impress!

In our honest opinion, writing a cover letter is better. You get the best of both worlds: Your project and educational history will be able to take center stage while you use your cover letter to detail your qualifications in greater depth than you’d be able to with an objective statement.

• We’ll show you how, step-by-step • Real, practical tips and tools • 100% free

Now offering graduate certificates 👉 LEARN MORE 

1 (866) 989-5432

AM I A CANDIDATE

How to Write a Resume When You’re Still in College (With Examples)

PEARSON ACCELERATED PATHWAYS

You know the battle. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. It’s a conundrum many college students face when trying to start their careers. Searching through endless job postings that require at least two years of experience can be frustrating, but don’t get discouraged!

Here’s the good news. As a college student or recent grad, you’ve probably already developed a lot of the knowledge and qualifications to ready yourself for the professional world. Even without prior job experience,  a college student can still create a strong impactful resume  that gets employers’ attention. In fact,  Career Alley  confirms that most employers want to see evidence of leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Luckily, these are all things you can prove you’ve developed in college.

Ready to show hiring managers that you have what it takes to land your dream job? Here’s some handy college resume tips and examples to help.

1. Choose a well-organized resume format

In the past, classic resume formats followed a boring standard layout with limited flexibility. In today’s market, pertinent information and good design have set the standard for catching employers’ attention. Why not stand out from other candidates with a catchy design? If you're looking to get your creative juices going and develop a resume format that stuns while also fitting your aesthetic,  Canva  has some very cool designs to get you started. Check out this one by Stella.

According to  Indeed , “The best  resume formats  are well organized with only the most relevant information and should make efficient use of blank space to avoid clutter.” Stella has made great use of the one-page space, even including a photo to showcase her unique style and personality. She’s also included a section labeled “Relevant Experience and Training” in place of the traditional “Job Experience” to emphasize her involvement in school teams and committees that have provided her with applicable skills in lieu of an official job.

Keep in mind that if you include a photo on your resume, it should reflect the style and dress for your industry. If you’re entering a more formal career, be sure to adjust your resume accordingly. You can still have a great design while keeping it professional, like in Avery’s resume below. As a new face in the accounting and finance world, Avery wants to make an impact on employers while still representing himself as a reputable professional. His resume stands out yet also does a great job of fitting the expectations and standards for his career.

2. Create a summary focused on the employer’s needs

A summary, objective, or “About Me” statement is  an excellent way to introduce yourself  and quickly advertise your qualifications.  This statement should be brief (1-2 sentences)  and focus on your relevant experience as well as your career-developed skills. It’s also a great idea to tailor your summary according to the employer’s needs, rather than your own. If the employer mentions specific desires in their job posting, figure out a way to incorporate the highest priority ones into your statement. Not only does this show the employer that you’ve paid attention to what they want, but also that you're responsive and willing to meet their needs.

3. Prioritize education vs. experience

For college students or recent graduates, it can be difficult to decide whether to list your education or experience first. Notice in Jonathan’s resume below, he lists his education history first to showcase his student activity and accolades, like the  Best Student Web Developer Award . That’s because his educational accomplishments demonstrate more enthusiasm and mastery of his technical abilities than his limited experience as a freelance web developer – with just two work projects completed.

Not sure whether to list your education or experience section first? Figure out which one allows you to present your most pertinent and remarkable information. If your main selling points come from your college experience, then be sure to list your education section first. Then you can get really creative in emphasizing your academic history and accomplishments, as discussed next.

4. Get resourceful in your education section

Don’t feel intimidated if your degree doesn’t exactly align with the job you’re applying. By showing a commitment to your education, you can still demonstrate the qualities employers are looking for like strong work ethic, dedication, leadership, commitment, and desire to improve.

According to  Live Career , “Not only should the  education section of your resume  be concise, but it should also relate to the job you are seeking.” This is a good time to brainstorm and make a list of your best student accomplishments. Any relevant honors or academic recognition, coursework, activities, or other achievements obtained during your education should be included to build up what may be lacking in your experience section. You can even add in relevant coursework and school projects you’ve completed to establish your training qualifications and special areas of study, particularly if your major or minor doesn’t readily indicate it. 

5. Keep your experience section relevant

Employers don’t need to know about the summer job you had at a pizza shop or about that one time you sold perfume at the mall. Your experience section shouldn’t be limited to just paid jobs nor does it need to include every job you’ve ever had. Hiring managers will be looking to see whether you have job experience that’s relevant to the position they are hiring.

In Jonathan’s resume above, notice how he only includes his work as a Freelance Web Developer. This is his only experience that’s relevant to the positions for which he’s applying. Jonathan doesn't need to include his part-time job stocking shelves at Costco or his sales associate position at Champ’s during his first year in college. Not only can that distract from his qualifications, but it can clutter up his resume and make it seem like he doesn’t understand the employer’s wants or needs.

If you have very limited or no work history at all,  you can change the name of this section  from “Work Experience” to “Relevant Experience.” Then add in internships, volunteer work, leadership experience, extracurricular activities or any other related involvement or training you can think of to compensate for your lack of workplace experience.

6. Include a skills or strengths section

Including a skills, key strengths, or competencies section on a resume is a great way to let employers know what hard skills and soft skills you bring to the table.  Indeed  defines  hard skills  as abilities specific to the job (like proficiency in technical software systems) and  soft skills  as abilities that can be applied in any job (like problem-solving and time management).

So how do you know which of your many talents to list on your resume?  According to The Balance Careers , “ Some skills are in high demand  for employers hiring college graduates, and there are  other skills that specifically relate to the job  for which you're applying.” Try reviewing several job descriptions specific to the industry or role you’re applying. Be sure to focus on the key desires and requirements employers emphasize for candidates. Jot down a list of the ones that stand out, then review how their desired skills match your core competencies. From there, you can decide which key strengths to include on your resume.

Check out Ed Stewart’s “Key Strengths” section in the below resume. Notice how he only lists hard skills or technical abilities. This is a good move for Ed as he’s positioning himself as a Search Engine Marketing expert and targeting companies looking to hire someone with a technical approach to their marketing strategy. He also does a great job of keeping his bulleted section short and scannable. Bulleted lists should only include about 5-7 items, so be sure to add only the most important and relevant skills to your resume. Anything that you feel you’ve left off can be included in your cover letter.

7. Always submit a custom cover letter

Did you know  around 250 resumes are submitted for each corporate job listing  and only about five candidates will be called for an interview? According to  Pongo , “without a  cover letter , you're relying solely on your  resume  to make a big enough impact that the hiring manager will call you back for an interview.” As an applicant just starting out in the job market, you’ll need a good cover letter to make up for the lack of experience on your resume.

By submitting a custom cover letter specific to the company and role for which you’re applying, you can let employers know why they should hire you over a candidate with more experience. This is your chance to tell them that you’re a fast learner, hard worker, or willing to go the extra mile to gain experience and to help their company succeed. Don’t count on your resume to get you through the competition. By including a cover letter, you’ll get noticed quickly, show you’ve put in extra effort, and demonstrate how much you want the job.  You only have 7.4 seconds to make an impression , so make it good!

8. Get a friend to proofread

After staring at the same resume and cover letter for hours, it can be easy to gloss over your own writing and mistakes that a fresh pair of eyes can detect. After completing these documents, try a few proofreading tricks like reading them slowly and out loud. Then, ask for help! You’d be surprised at what someone else may pick up on.  TopResume  states, “Have a friend — preferably one who writes for a living or studied English in college — review your resume for contextual spelling mistakes, missing punctuation, and inconsistencies in your resume format.” Once all final details are confirmed, then you’re ready to apply. Good luck!

Want to check out more college resume and cover letter examples?  Zety  has some excellent templates and guides. And check out  this blog  if you need help obtaining  reference letters . At Pearson Accelerated Pathways, we love helping students on the journey to their brightest future and best career.  We’d love to help you create your own college experience  that develops the background qualifications and skills needed to land your dream job!

• Pearson Accelerated Pathways

We think college can be affordable, flexible, and purposeful. And we're here to show you how.

• English (UK)
• Resume Examples

College Student Resume Examples & Templates to Use in 2024

Writing a resume for a college student doesn't have to be hard, even if you don't have any experience. Follow our guide and learn how to write a job-winning college student resume.

Most college student resumes have a major problem.

They lack experience.

To get hired, you must show you’ve got the skills, even if you haven’t used them.

It’s not doctoral-level. You can do it. The key is knowing how to show your education on a resume for college student.

This guide will show you:

• A sample resume for college students better than most.
• How to make the best college student job description for resumes.
• How to write a college student resume that proves you’re hirable.
• What college student resume skills you should list

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Are you in the first place? If you need a college application resume or a college internship resume, see these guides:

• Academic CV Template
• Internship Resume
• Undergraduate College Resume
• Engineering Internship Resume
• College Application Resume
• High School Graduate Resume
• High School Student Resume
• No Experience Resume
• Teen Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• Medical Student Resume
• Graduate School Resume
• Student Resume
• Sorority Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Nursing Student Resume
• Engineering Student Resume
• Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Resume
• Entry Level Accounting Resume
• Computer Science (CS) Student Resume
• Science Resume
• Logistics Resume
• Chemistry Resume
• Budtender Resume
• McDonald's Resume
• Nonprofit Resume

Writing a first job resume with no experience? See our guide:  How to Write an Entry-Level Resume with No Experience [10+ Tips]

Want to write a job-specific college student resume? See our  Resume Examples for Every Profession .

College Student Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Feel free to copy-paste this great sampe resume for college students:

Sheila Miller

Marketing Specialist

Personal Info

Phone: 609-374-6598

Email: [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/sheilazmiller

twitter.com/sheilazmiller

Career Objective

Talented marketing specialist with a passion for SEO and SEM. Seeking to use strong interpersonal and creative skills to improve ROI at MDC Jones. As a student leader of AMA's UMaine chapter, raised membership by 30%. SEO web publishing project got 20K views/mo.

Education 

B.S. Business Administration, University of Maine

2015–2019

• Student leader, American Marketing Association. Raised membership 30%.
• Maintained 4.0 average in core marketing classes.
• Completed senior project in SEO web publishing.
• Captain, Varsity Swim Team, increased donations 25%

Full Semester SEO Project

• Created website that got 20,000 views per month.
• Used SEMRush to identify topics with high traffic.
• Used SEO techniques to rank in top 3 in Google for 60% of targeted terms. 

Monthly Science Fiction Podcast

• Produced weekly podcast with 2,000+ listeners.
• Created social media marketing campaign with 1,500 followers.
• Developed email marketing campaign that slashed churn by 20%.
• Interviewed 2 experts per month, including George R. R. Martin.

Marketing Experience 

2011–2016

• As sporting goods shop employee, created SEO blog that got 6,000 visits per month, increasing sales by an estimated 15% per year.
• Created email marketing campaign for college bookstore generating $11,000.
• As waiter at Pizza Hut, collaborated closely with team of 25 employees. Participated in store-wide project to raise efficiency by 35%.
• Built and marketed own landscaping business for 4 years. Through heavy flyer campaign, grew to 3 employees and 30+ regular customers.

Marketing Certifications 

AMA PCM (Professional Certified Marketer)

•  Google Analytics Certification

Conferences

2017 & 2018 MozCon

Publications

2018 Article on SEM linked to by  Fast Company.

2017 Spoke about SEM on  The Marketing Student Podcast

Additional Activities

• Member, AMA
• Leader, local caving club. Raised membership 50%.

Hard Skills:  SEO, SEM, email marketing, WordPress, sales funnel management

Soft Skills:  Interpersonal skills, creative thinking , communication, writing, analytical thinking

Now here’s how to write a resume for college student they’ll love:

1. Start With the Best College Student Resume Format

College students are post-high-school students admitted to a college or a university. They enter the working world with the education needed to do a variety of jobs, but no experience. That’s why a college student resume must focus on relevant achievements that show key skill abilities.

But formatting is the key.

Because a poorly-formatted college student resume confuses the reader.

If they’re confused, they won’t see why you’re such a perfect fit.

Use these resume formatting tips to get your points across:

College Student Resume Format

• Use the reverse-chronological format .
• Fill it with resume fonts like either Cambria or Garamond in 10–12pt.
• Add 1-inch margins, large headings, and occasional white space.
• Make a one-page resume . College students don’t need more.
• Use these resume sections : Header, Objective, Experience, Education, Skills, and “Other.”

Expert Hint: Save your college student resume in PDF form   unless the employer specifically says otherwise. PDFs stay formatted across all devices and platforms.

2. Write a Great Resume Objective for College Students

Horror story:

They won’t actually read your college student resume.

They’ll skim it in six seconds.

If you don’t grab them in that time, they’ll move on to the next eager applicant.

A resume objective for college students has a Herculean job to do.

• One adjective (talented, creative, personable)
• Job title (marketing specialist, engineer)
• How you’ll help (raise ROI, cut lead times)
• Nicest few achievements (student leader of AMA, web project got 20K views/mo)

These college student resume examples show how:

College Student Resume Objective—Example

The first of those college student resume examples will get dozens of interview requests. The second works if you know the boss’s mother.

Wrack your brain to find your biggest accomplishment the hiring manager will like.

And remember— 

Write your resume objective last. Writing it first is like sitting for the final exam before you’ve taken the class.

Expert Hint: Got a few years of professional experience? Write a college student resume summary instead. It’s an alternative resume introductory statement for more experienced candidates. 

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

3. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

It’s frustrating.

You don’t have experience.

But they won’t hire you without it.

Get ready for a sigh of relief.

You’ve got enough experience to get the job.

The crux here is to put your resume education section first, then show it like a series of jobs or “projects.”

Just pick the ones that show the skills the job ad wants.

These resume examples for college students show how:

College Student Resume Education—Example

Job posting wants skills in 1) leadership , 2) marketing , 3) SEO , 4) podcasting , 5) social media , 6) email marketing .

Education  

• Student leader , American Marketing Association. Raised membership 30%.
• Maintained 4.0 average in core marketing classes .
• Captain, Varsity Swim Team, increased donations 25%.

Full Semester  SEO   Project

Monthly Science Fiction  Podcast

• Graduated in June of 2019

You can prove yourself without the dreaded “5 years of experience.”

You could just as easily have had a section called “Student Leader, American Marketing Association” or “Captain, Varsity Swim Team.”

It all comes down to what you think are your most eye-catching accomplishments. And what skills the job posting values most.

Expert Hint: Don’t clutter up your resume for coleege student with terms the hiring team won’t recognize. “Produced Weekly Podcast” works better than “Jilliboam Tribbins Podcast.”

4. Write a Tempting College Student Job Description

You don’t have experience yet.

They know it. You know it.

Don’t list summer jobs on your college student resume with no work experience.

Instead, show achievements from those jobs that put key skills in your trophy case.

How to write a college student work history for a resume

• Build your skills list from the online ad.
• Think of times you used those skills in summer jobs or part-time jobs.
• Show those things in a combined work experience section.
• Add numbers to give scale to your abilities.
• Skip the long list of menial jobs.

College Student Job Description for Resume [Sample]

Job ad wants these college student skills: (1) SEO (2) email marketing (3) collaboration .

Marketing Experience  

Joseph’s Sporting Goods

Retail Clerk

2018–2019

• Stocked shelves.
• Served customers, maintaining friendly attitude.
• Operated register.

2017–2018

• Waited tables, restocked salad bar.
• Opened and closed restaurant.

The first of those college student resume examples bonds you to the job. All the second does is show you’ve worked for money.

Be careful.

Don’t just kitchen-sink a bunch of college student resume skills.

Anyone can do that.

So again, look to the job posting. Then prove your skills with achievements from school and part-time work.

For inspiration, see these skills to put on a resume  that employers crave:

College Student Resume Skills

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication
• Collaboration or teamwork
• Strong work ethic
• Decision making
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Organization
• Customer service
• Analytical thinking
• Critical thinking
• Physically fit
• Self confidence
• Self motivated
• Flexibility/adaptability
• Good attitude
• Dependability
• Perceptiveness
• Coordination

Expert Hint: Networking is so, so, so important. It’s cliche, but it’s so true and can’t be overstated. Learn to network like your life depends on it. Your college student resume will thank you!

5. Enhance Your College Student Resume With These “Other” Sections

Just a second.

Your coleege student resume can’t peter out after experience and education.

If it does, you’ll look as generic as a freshman on orientation day.

You’ve got to add more skills proof. And it helps to show you’re well-rounded.

Add a few extra-curricular bonus resume sections:

• Awards & Honors
• Freelance Work
• Volunteer Experience
• Continuing Education
• Relevant Coursework
• Scholarships
• Foreign Languages
• Certifications

These two college student resume examples clear the cobwebs:

College Student Resume—Extra Sections

Marketing Certifications  

Google Analytics Certification

• Avid Fortnite player
• Enthusiastic about the environment

Clap your eyes on that.

The first of those college student resume examples shows you live and breathe your trade.

The second shows you can fog up a mirror.

Finally, have a LinkedIn profile or other online portfolio. Need some help? See our guide: Use LinkedIn Like a Pro: Hot Tips for Students and Recent Grads

Expert Hint: Write a college student cover letter. Half the hiring teams will ditch your college student resume unless you write one (even though that isn’t fair!) So don't let them discard you straight away. Learn how to write a cover letter .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Resume for college students that gets jobs recipe:

• Use the college students resume template  up top. It’s got all the requisites for getting hired.
• Put achievements in your college student resume. They are the only way to prove you’re skilled.
• Choose your job skills wisely. Get them from the top part of the online job ad.
• Write a college student cover letter. Prove you know the job’s needs and list a couple of big school achievements that show you can fill them.

Got questions on how to write a great resume  for college students? Not getting any love with your college student resume with no work experience? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages. Tom holds a degree in English from Colby College.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

200+ Resume Words, Action Verbs, & Resume Power Words

Need an easy trick to boost your resume? Replace boring phrases with resume action words, power words, and adjectives for resume. Make your resume sound like a bestseller.

Roma Kończak, CPRW

Career Expert

Server Resume: Examples & Guide for 2024

Make a server resume that no restaurant manager can decline. Follow our guide and learn the best tips and practices on how to write your resume with proven server resume examples.

Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW

Customer Service Manager Resume Examples & Tips for 2024

Scoring 97% in NPS is something you're good at. It's time to score 100% in the recruitment process. Check our guide and learn how to master your customer service manager resume.

Paulina Krolikowska-Baum

Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Whether you just graduated college or you’re taking a gap year before continuing your studies, one thing is for sure.

You’re looking for a job.

All that’s standing between you and your next position is a great resume.

But how can you write a resume that stands out from the crowd if all your experience so far is studying?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Creating a compelling resume to help you stand out from the crowd is easy, even if you’re just starting on your career journey.

And in this guide, we’re going to teach you how. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• What Makes a Great Student Resume Example
• 9 Steps to Writing an Amazing Student Resume
• What to Include In Your Student Resume

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Student Resume Example

That’s a great example of a student resume.

Let’s get into the ins and outs of what it does right:

• Keeps everything on one page. Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes daily, so it’s important to stick to a one-page resume so they don’t discard your application straight away.
• Uses a reverse-chronological resume format. This is the favorite resume format for hiring managers worldwide since it puts your most recent achievements and experiences first.
• Includes professional contact details. This section should always contain your full name, a professional email address, phone number, location, and any relevant links to professional websites or social media profiles that might boost your application.
• Starts with an eye-catching resume objective. To grab the hiring manager’s attention, this student resume example starts with a strong resume objective to convey their top skills and their professional goal.
• Lists education first. Since this candidate is a recent graduate, their student resume places their education section at the very top and provides details on the relevant courses they’ve taken.
• Focuses on skills. The student resume example pictured above includes a tailored skills section that aligns with the job and shows what they can do for the employer.
• Organizes text in bullet points. This resume uses bullet points instead of large paragraphs, so the content of the resume is organized and easy to read.
• Includes optional sections. The candidate leverages optional sections such as languages and personal projects to add more value to their resume and stand out from other applicants with similar skills and qualifications.

9 Steps Toward the Perfect Student Resume

Now you know what an excellent student resume looks like.

It’s time to create your own.

First things first, let’s go over all the sections your resume should include .

The essential sections of a student resume are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Work Experience

If you have leftover space on your resume, you can also use some of the following sections to make your application stand out:

Extracurricular Activities

• Personal Projects

Hobbies and Interests

• Volunteering
• Certificates

Awards and Recognitions

Publications.

As a student or recent graduate, don’t expect to include all of these sections in your resume. Instead, use them to your advantage. 

For example, you might not have any work experience, in which case you can replace that section with something else, such as an internship that helped you hone some essential skills for the job you're applying to.

We’ve split the process of creating your student resume into easy-to-follow steps, starting with:

#1. Pick the Right Format

Before you can fill out your resume, you need to decide on the best format for your job application.

There are three resume formats you can choose from:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as the chronological format)
• Functional (also known as the skill-based format)
• Combination (a mix of the reverse-chronological and functional formats)

For 99% of cases, we recommend that you choose the reverse-chronological resume format when making your student resume.

The reverse-chronological format is the most practical, since it lists your most recent experience and achievements first, making it the perfect format when you’re applying for a job.

It’s also hiring managers’ favorite format worldwide, so it’s what they expect to see in your application.

Here’s an example of what the reverse-chronological resume format looks like:

#2. Pay Attention to the Layout

Now that you have the formatting out of the way, it’s time to consider your resume’s layout .

Before the hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. And if they see a messy, unorganized document, they aren’t going to be impressed.

Follow these tips to make sure your student resume makes a good first impression:

• Keep it on one page. A good resume should never exceed one page, especially if you’re a student with limited experience. Hiring managers only want the most important details about why you’re the right person for the job.
• Set the line spacing. Make sure your text is easy to read by setting appropriate line spacing. Use 1.0 between text and 1.15 between double lines and after subheadings.
• Adjust the page margins. To make your resume look neat, set your resume’s margins to one inch on all sides of the page. Otherwise, you might end up with a stretched-out or empty-looking document.
• Choose a professional font. Another important aspect of your resume is the font. Pick something professional but not overused. Instead of Times New Roman, go for something understated like Roboto, Lora, or Ubuntu.
• Save it to the right file format. Unless the hiring manager asks for another format, your resume should always be saved as a PDF file . This way, your student resume’s layout is going to look the same across any device or software that the hiring manager uses to open it.

Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

Getting the format and layout of your resume just right can sure get tricky. 

You’ll have to spend hours tweaking the margins, adjusting font sizes, and fixing the line spacing – all the while having to make sure nothing spills over to page two. 

What if you could skip all the hassle?

Just use one of our free resume templates and create your student resume in minutes.

Each of our professional templates is designed in cooperation with HR professionals from around the world to make sure your application is ATS-friendly, easy to read, and beautiful to look at.

Not to mention, you can choose a resume template that shows off a bit of your personality while adhering to industry standards. 

Just look at how one of our templates compares to a standard text editor resume:

#3. Add Your Contact Information

Once you’re ready to fill in the contents of your student resume, it’s time to start with your contact information.

This usually goes in a designated resume header , so it’s easy for the hiring manager to find it at a glance.

Here’s what to include:

• Full Name. (E.g.: John Smith )
• Professional Title. We recommend matching the title to the job you’re targeting (E.g.: Paralegal) or specifying your education. (E.g.: Graphic Design Graduate )
• Email Address. Use a professional email address, not a quirky handle from your World of Warcraft days. (E.g.: write down [email protected] , not [email protected] )
• Phone Number. If you’re applying abroad, always include the dialing code in front of your phone number.
• Location. The city and state/country are enough information.
• Relevant Links. Any other information, such as a link to your LinkedIn profile, GitHub, or a portfolio website, is optional and depends on the job you’re applying for.

Ultimately, your contact information section is the easiest, yet most crucial, section of your student resume.

If you make a single typo in your email or phone number, the hiring manager won’t be able to reach you, and you’ll miss out on an opportunity.

So, before submitting your resume, make sure to double-check, and even triple-check that everything in this section is up-to-date and accurate.

John Smith - Graphic Design Graduate

+1 907 446 1234

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/john.smith

Fairbanks, Alaska

90744461234

[email protected]

#4. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

Hiring managers have to look at countless resumes daily.

So, they won’t spend more than six seconds on each before deciding if it’s worth reading in detail.

This is where a snappy resume summary or objective can make a difference.

Your resume summary or objective is a brief paragraph at the start of your resume that tells hiring managers who you are and what you bring to the table, in just 2-4 sentences.

Depending on your experience, you can take one of two routes:

• Resume summary. If you've got a bit of professional experience under your belt, write a resume summary. It's your chance to give a quick snapshot of your experience, skills, and what you've accomplished so far.
• Resume objective. If you're just starting, a resume objective is the right choice for you. It outlines your skills, any relevant experiences, and your professional goals.

To paint a clearer picture, here’s what a student’s resume summary with more experience might look like:

Recent college graduate with a B.A. in English from University X seeking an entry-level job as a content writer. Previous experience includes working as an English tutor for 2 years at University X, where I worked with 100+ students, helping them improve their essays. Additionally, I managed a personal blog about tech, publishing over 40 articles in the last 3 years.

But if you’re still a student, you probably don’t have a lot of work experience to rely on for your resume summary.

Don’t worry! You can still write a fantastic resume objective, like so:

Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Science, aiming to secure an entry-level position at Green Solutions Ltd. Experienced in conducting field research and using GIS software through university projects and internships. With a strong passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy, I’m looking to apply academic knowledge in a practical, impactful way.

This goes to show that even without any work experience to leverage, you can still write a job-winning resume .

#5. List Your Education First

While the work experience section is what your resume would usually start with, the rule is reversed when you’re a student or a recent graduate .

If you’re applying for a job in the same field as your education, you want to emphasize the knowledge and skills you’ve gained so far.

So, the less work experience you have, the more detailed your education section should be.

Here’s the most important information that you should include when listing your education :

• Degree Name. (E.g.: BSc in Business Administration )
• University Name. (E.g.: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania )
• Location. (E.g.: Philadelphia, PA, USA )
• Years Attended. (E.g.: 09/2018 - 06/2022 )

You should always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your newest degree (such as a Ph.D. or MBA) and ending with your oldest.

Next, there are a ton of optional details that can look great on your student resume. These include:

• Honors and Awards. Your resume is a great place to show off a little. List any awards or acknowledgments you received during your education. (E.g.: Summa Cum Laude )
• Relevant Coursework. List a few courses that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. (E.g.: Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Surgical Nursing )
• Thesis or Dissertation. We recommend that graduate and post-graduate students include this, especially if applying to research-heavy fields like data science .
• Minor. If you minored in another field and it’s relevant to the job, include it. (E.g.: BA in Political Science, Minor in Economics )
• Grade Point Average. Include your GPA on your resume if it’s impressive. Anything below 3.5 isn’t worth listing.

Here’s an example of what this looks like on a resume:

There’s no need to list your high school education unless it’s the only degree you have.

#6. Expand on Your Work Experience

The first thing hiring managers usually want to see is your work experience section .

It’s probably the most important section of your whole resume, and it’s where you need to wow the hiring manager. Here’s how to format it correctly:

• List jobs in reverse chronological order. Start with your latest work experience and work your way back to older roles. Just don’t go too far back – your part-time job over summer break probably doesn’t belong on your resume.
• Add your exact job title. Be accurate when describing your previous job, and avoid buzzwords . If you were a babysitter , say that instead of trying to be witty and going with ‘toddler whisperer.’
• Include the company details. All you need to add are the most important details, such as the company’s name and location. If it’s not a well-known business, you can describe what it does.
• Specify the employment period. Use the mm/yyyy format throughout your student resume instead of specifying the exact dates you started and quit.
• Mention your responsibilities and achievements. Use several bullet points, no more than 5-6 for your most recent work experience and 2-3 for older roles.

Here’s an example of what that looks like in practice:

What If My Work Experience Isn’t Relevant?

If you’re applying for a job in the field you’ve been studying for, you might have picked up a part-time job while you were a student.

So, you’re probably wondering - is that summer gig you did worth mentioning in your resume?

The answer is yes.

Even if your only work experience so far seemingly has nothing to do with the job you’re applying for, it’s probably better for you to include it.

For example, if you worked as a cashier at your local supermarket and now you’re applying for a job as an accountant , there are enough similarities between the two jobs for you to make a great resume.

Just focus on the transferable skills from your time as a cashier. Both jobs require working with numbers, being good at mathematics, and attention to detail.

Usually, showing you have some work experience is better than presenting a resume with zero work experience.

What If I Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

If you’re still a student or you just graduated, you probably don’t have any work experience to leverage.

Don’t worry - most college students don’t.

But that doesn’t have to stop you from writing a great resume!

Hiring managers know that most candidates applying for entry-level jobs aren’t super experienced, and that’s okay.

So, instead of work experience, you can focus on any of the following sections:

• Internships. If your program included any internships or hands-on experiences, mention them. Internships can be super useful on your resume, especially if they help you develop skills for the position you’re applying for, and they can look better on your resume than any part-time job in an unrelated field.
• Volunteering. Having a cause that you care about and are willing to work for shows hiring managers that you’d be a dedicated employee, and that’s why volunteer work looks great on a resume. Whether you spent some time at a local soup kitchen or just helped collect trash in the parks, you can always mention it in your application.
• Projects. Any project you’ve participated in can go here, so long as it’s relevant to the job. Your graduation thesis, coursework, or personal projects can all make a difference. For example, if you’re an aspiring animator and you make funny flash animations that you upload on YouTube for your friends, that’s always a great addition to a first-time job application .

Here’s an example of a student resume that focuses on volunteer experience and personal projects instead of work experience:

Do you want to join a cause you’re passionate about? Learn how to write a volunteer resume here.

#7. Emphasize Your Relevant Skills

The skills section of your resume should tell the hiring manager what your expertise is and why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of essential skills you can mention:

• Soft skills. These are a mix of social skills, characteristics, and other personal traits. For example, leadership, critical thinking, time management, and so on.
• Hard skills. These are your measurable abilities. So, anything from baking cupcakes to complex coding skills.

Your resume should aim for a mix of both soft and hard skills.

If written correctly, the skill section can look something like this:

Now, when listing skills on your resume, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

• List hard skills with experience levels. For each skill you list, you can mention your proficiency, from beginner to expert. This tells the hiring manager how much training you might need if they hire you.
• Keep it relevant and tailored to the job. You might have some awesome and rare skills, but they’re not always going to be useful. Your Photoshop skills won’t make a difference in an application for a job as a writer .
• Include some universal skills. Some skills can be useful anywhere. These include both soft skills (like communication ) and hard skills (like using Microsoft Office or Google Office Suite).
• Back up your skills. Instead of just listing skills as buzzwords (like “critical thinker” or “problem-solving-master”), make sure you prove what you’re saying. Give examples of when you’ve put those skills to good use, such as in your work experience section.

And for a student resume, here are a few of the top skills almost every single employer will value:

• Verbal and Written Communication
• Adaptability
• Punctuality
• Organizational skills
• Flexibility
• Conflict resolution
• Problem-solving abilities
• Time-management

#8. Leverage Optional Sections

So far, we’ve covered the essential information for your student resume.

But if you have any leftover space, there are a few other sections you can add.

Imagine this: the hiring manager has to decide between you and another candidate, but your resumes are nearly identical. You have very similar experiences, backgrounds, and credentials.

This is where some less essential resume sections can tip the scales in your favor.

Optional sections can help you backup your skills and experience and set you apart from candidates with the same professional background as yours.

These sections include:

Are you fluent in more than one language?

If you’re bilingual or even trilingual, you should always mention that in your resume!

Even if the position you’re applying for doesn’t require any specific language skills, it can still come in handy at some point.

Companies are becoming increasingly international, and you never know when you might end up working on a project or a client where you can put your knowledge to good use.

To list languages in your resume , simply write them down and include your proficiency level:

• Intermediate

Optionally, you can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

And remember - you should never lie about your language skills. You never know when the interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language you claim to know!

As you might remember from your college application , extracurricular activities look great on a resume.

Different after-school projects and clubs can help you gain practical skills and increase your chances of landing a good job right after college. For example, if you were part of a debate team and you’re applying for a job as a lawyer , that could give your resume a boost.

Some activities, like student council responsibilities, show maturity and leadership skills that would translate well to a work environment. 

Here’s an example of how to list extracurricular activities on your resume :

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Public Speaking Club

Founder and President

09/2018 - 09/2019

• Founded a club to help fellow students improve at public speaking and promote discussion-based events.
• Organized 5+ public speaking lectures.
• Brought in professors from the university and organized 2 speaking workshops.

But regardless of whether they’re related to the job or not, extracurricular activities still show the hiring manager that you’re hard-working and committed.

If you want the hiring manager to get a more well-rounded idea of you as a person, you can include hobbies and interests on your resume .

While this section isn’t going to get you hired, it could tip the scales in your favor.

When the hiring manager is looking at two near-identical resumes from two equally qualified candidates, the deciding factor might come down to something as minor as your personality and interests.

For example, imagine that the company you’re applying to values teamwork and promotes health amongst its employees. If your resume says your hobbies include team sports like basketball, that could convince the hiring manager that you’d be a good cultural fit for their team.

Certifications

The best investment is always in your future, and hiring managers love candidates who do just that.

If you have any extra qualifications or certificates , add them to your resume.

For example, if you graduated with a BA in Marketing, and you’re applying for a Digital Marketing role, that’s great. But it’s even better if the hiring manager sees that you completed an advanced SEO course and that you’re ready to roll!

Do you have a piece of paper with your name on it that says why you’re so smart and qualified? If so, add it to your resume.

It could be an award from a competition or some other recognition of your excellence - academic or otherwise.

For example, you might have been selected for a very rare scholarship , or your hard work as an illustrator won your project a nomination.

You don’t need to be modest on your resume - if you earned something cool, show it off. Any awards can back up your expertise and show the hiring manager that you’re worth a chance.

Have you worked on your university’s student paper? Maybe you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic .

Whatever the case is, publications are always impressive on a resume.

Include them under a designated “Publications” section and provide a URL so the hiring manager can check out your work.

#9. Include a Cover Letter

Cover letters are essential for a successful job search , and your student resume won’t be complete without one.

Forbes reports that 56% of hiring managers prefer that applicants include a cover letter with their resume.

Crafting a great cover letter tells the hiring manager that you have an eye for detail and that you’re ready to go the extra mile to join the team. You’re not just randomly sending out the same resume to every job listing you find.

So, to learn how to write your own , let's explore what makes an effective cover letter:

Here are some straightforward tips to make your cover letter great:

• Check your contact information. The information in your cover letter’s header should be the same as what’s on your resume, so double-check for any mistakes.
• Use the hiring manager’s name. A little research can help you find it, and it helps establish a more personal connection than just writing “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Start with a strong opening. Mention a couple of your best skills or achievements right at the start to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
• Go into more detail in the body. Talk about your accomplishments or skills in more detail, and mention anything you couldn’t fit on your resume, like explaining why you want to work remotely .
• Conclude by asking them to reach out. A good closing paragraph includes a call to action that asks the hiring manager to do something, like contact you or arrange an interview.
• Sing it like a professional. Choose an appropriate closing line, like “Best regards” or “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Here’s a great example of a student cover letter :

5 Student Resume Examples

Looking for more resume inspiration?

Check out the different student resume examples below to see what a job-winning resume might look like.

#1. Recent Graduate Resume

#2. Experienced Student Resume

#3. Internship Student Resume

#4. College Freshman Resume

#5. High School Student Resume

Key Takeaways

And there you go!

That’s how you create a powerful student resume from scratch.

Now, let’s quickly summarize what we’ve learned so far:

• Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, so you want yours to grab their attention immediately. Write a brief paragraph in your resume header to tell them who you are and why you’re perfect for the job.
• Unlike in most resumes, where work experience goes first, if you’re a student, your education should be at the top of your resume.
• Don’t worry if you don’t have any work experience yet - when you’re applying for an entry-level job, hiring managers don’t expect you to.
• Instead of work experience, you can focus on internships, volunteering, personal projects, or extracurricular activities to show off your skills and fill in your resume.
• Your skills could make or break your job application. Research the most in-demand skills for the job you want and list the ones you have in your resume.
• Always add a matching cover letter to your student resume to show the hiring manager you’re ready to go the extra mile for the job.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Guide to Writing a Great...

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

16 min read · Updated on February 13, 2024

No work experience? No problem.

The ol' catch-22: you need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job. Either way, you need a resume, and what you don't need is to panic. 

Just because you don't have skills that are relevant to the job, or experience in a traditional work setting, doesn't mean you can't craft a convincing first job resume. Whether you're a high school or college student, you may be wondering: how do you write a resume with no work experience? Well, we'll tell you with these expert tips.

1. Choose the best format for a resume with no experience

There are a few dominant resume templates in use today:

Chronological

Hybrid - a blend of the chronological and functional formats

A  chronological resume format  lists a candidate's work experience in reverse-chronological order and a functional resume format focuses on highlighting the candidate's hard and soft skills and achievements, rather than work experience. While the functional and hybrid resume formats can be attractive options for job seekers with little relevant experience, most employers and hiring managers prefer a chronological format.

Aside from hiring managers preferring it, it's best to use a reverse chronological resume for two additional reasons:

It's the most used format in the US, making it easy for hiring managers to review and find the information they're seeking

It's the most liked by employers' applicant tracking systems, or ATS. If an ATS can't read your resume properly, it might not get into the hands of a human reader - even if you're the perfect candidate for the job

The primary sections of a reverse chronological resume are:

The heading (with your contact information)

Resume summary

Work experience (which will be substituted with other sections when you have no work experience)

Education 

2. Incorporate your contact information 

Now that you've chosen the best format for a resume with no experience, it's time to complete each section. The first section of your resume is the header section. This is the section that includes your name and contact information. In this section, you'll provide:

Phone number

Email address

Location and zip code

LinkedIn  or professional website URL (optional)

Your name should sit above your contact information in a larger font size than the rest of the information included in the header. You also want to ensure you use a professional sounding email address. Using something like “[email protected]” or “[email protected]” will likely come across as unprofessional and won't gain you any points for the “yes” pile. A good choice is to use your name (or a combination of your initials and surname), instead. 

Here's an example of how to list your contact information at the top of your resume:

Joseph Smith

555.555.5555 | [email protected] | WV 26250 | linkedin.com/in/jsmith28

3. Include a strong summary statement

The next section of your resume, your Resume Summary, will fall just below your contact information. Your resume summary is not to be mistaken for a resume objective. 

Resume objective statements , where you state exactly what career goals you wish to achieve, have mostly fallen out of fashion. This is largely because you want to focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you. A resume summary statement, on the other hand, sums up who you are professionally at the top of the page in two to five sentences and serves as the first impression you give a hiring manager to entice them to keep reading. 

For a resume with no experience, your resume summary can still pack a punch. Include some of the key skills you have relevant to the job, while emphasizing your major and any type of experience that speaks to your ability to succeed.

Here's an example of a resume summary for a recent grad with a human resources degree:

Human resources graduate with diverse knowledge base in employee relations, benefits design, employment law, and policy design. Avid learner with solid written and verbal communication skills and a strong desire to support all levels within an organization for improved employee morale and productive collaboration. 

4. Substitute the Work Experience section with other types of experience

Writing a resume with no experience can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, recruiters and hiring managers are seeking candidates that have a robust background, regardless of experience level. Here are some sections you can substitute in lieu of a Work Experience section:

Internships

Graduate assistantships, extracurricular activities.

Volunteer Work

Hobbies and Interests

When you include these additional types of experiences on a resume, you can include them as a standalone section or create a “Relevant Experience” section. Depending on the type of experience you're including, you might find it's best to use a section heading that aligns with the type of experience (“Internships” for internships, “Volunteer Work,” for volunteer work, and so on). 

Landing paid or unpaid college internships  are one of the best weapons you have against "experience required." Not only do they give you some real-world work experience, they also allow you to network and make connections that can put you in a job later. When applying for a job without experience, be sure to list any internships you've completed. 

If you haven't had an internship, consider applying for one as a step before an entry-level job.

Here's an example of how to include an internship on your resume:

Finance Intern

New York Secretary of State Office, New York, NY

Jan 2021 - May 2021

Reconciled budget sheets for quarterly processing

Supported accounting team in year end tax return audits 

Analyzed 15 budget reports over a two-month period to ensure accurate data reporting 

Similar to internships, a graduate assistantship secured during school is also a great way to gain valuable experience to include on a resume. Graduate assistantships are paid opportunities provided to graduate students. They typically involve part-time teaching or research within their field of study. 

Here's an example of how to include an assistantship on your resume:

HR Graduate Assistant

West Virginia University School of Business and Economics, Morgantown, WV

August 2020 - May 2021

Reviewed 100 collective bargaining agreements to identify and document similarities and inconsistencies throughout

Worked with academic Professors to develop research guidelines for future assistants

Volunteer work

When surveyed, the majority of employers say that they take  volunteer experience listed on your resume , such as being a soup kitchen volunteer, into consideration alongside paid work experience. So any volunteer work that highlights your talents or a new skill should be put on your well-prepared resume. 

You'll list volunteer work in a similar way to how you would list internships and actual work experience:

Animal Transport Volunteer

Friends for Life Animal Shelter, Philippi, VA

April 2022 - Present 

Working with local shelters to transport animals to and from shelters and foster homes

Assisting in cleaning kennels and common areas to support sanitation efforts

Spearheading animal supply drive, collecting $10K worth of supplies

Though it might not seem like it at first, extracurricular activities can add a lot of value to your resume in lieu of work experience, if you can relate them to the job you're applying to. For example, if you were an officer for a club during college or a captain of a sports team, these roles speak to leadership ability. 

In general, these types of activities show you have the ability to collaborate with others. It also shows you have the ability to keep up with school work while being involved in other areas outside of school, which speaks to time management and organizational skills. 

Here are some of the top extracurricular activities to include on a resume with no experience, as well of some of the skills they help to highlight:

Artistic endeavors: speaks to creativity, problem solving, perseverance, ability to learn 

Sports: speaks to teamwork, collaboration, hard work, problem solving, conflict resolution

Club leadership roles: speaks to leadership, organization, perseverance, time management

General club membership: speaks to time management, community involvement, prioritizing

Student government: speaks to leadership, public speaking, time management, problem solving, organization

Here's an example of how to list extracurricular activities on a resume with no experience:

Student Council Vice PresidentBelington High SchoolAugust 2020 - May 2021

Spearheaded clothing drive to support the homeless in the state of Virginia

Wrote and delivered 3 speeches to the student body focused on student wellbeing, fundraising events, and life beyond high school

Special Projects

If you completed job-related projects during high school or college, they can be a valuable addition to your resume. Personal projects are also game for a resume with no experience, if they're relevant to the job. 

Here's how you might list a personal project on your resume:

Social Media Campaign

Sparkle and Shine Fundraising Event

February 2022 - Mar 2024

Created social media campaign to support fundraising efforts for local children's shelter, supporting education in underprivileged youth

Increased followers by 25% in two months

Generated leads that converted to $3,000 in donations

Here's how you might list school projects on your resume:

Beaumont University

Masters in Counseling and Development

Career counseling planning design for women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Group counseling proposal for friends and family members of those who have mental health challenges

Behavioral health program design to work with males ages 18 to 30 with adverse childhood experiences

Hobbies and interests

It's more common today than ever before to include hobbies and interests on a resume - they help to provide insights into who you are as a person, to enhance your resume story. Hobbies and interests require soft and hard skills, many of which are required to succeed on the job, and they can especially be useful to fill in gaps when you lack work experience.  

For additional information on how to list hobbies and interests on your resume with no experience, refer to “ How to List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume (With Examples) .”

An award can signal to an employer to take note, since they're a distinction that speaks to your skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Adding an Awards section is an excellent way to showcase your ability to succeed in lieu of work experience. 

When you list an award, include the award and issuing institution. For example:

2023 Science Olympiad Award recipient, Science Olympiad Foundation

Certifications

Acquiring certifications provides an excellent opportunity to add value and fill in gaps in terms of skills and work experience. There are a lot of opportunities to secure certifications for free through sites like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and  Grow with Google . Certifications not only highlight your skills but also show that you're focused on personal and professional development, which employers appreciate in candidates.  

You can list certifications in a standalone Certifications list or with your Education section. For more information on how to best include certifications on a resume with no experience, refer to “ How to List Certifications on a Resume (with examples) .” 

5. Include your education 

When you have work experience, it's common to include your Education section after your Work Experience section. However, on a resume with no experience, many opt to list and emphasize their education after the resume summary. This is largely due to the fact that your education is what's most relevant to employers when you're straight out of school. 

Also, in lieu of a Work Experience section, especially if you're running thin on any of the relevant experience options listed above, you can expand and focus on the  education section on your resume  to highlight the marketable skills you've developed. What can you do well that this job requires? What will be useful to the hiring company? What have you done in school and what have you studied that has prepared you for assuming this job?

This is generally a little easier if you're a college graduate with specialized education, but even a high school graduate can talk about their electives and relevant coursework, why they wanted to take them, and what they learned from the class. It's also acceptable to include any awards, scholarships, honors, or any student clubs and committees you participated in. For example, if you were on the Dean's list, include it. 

Many also wonder if they should include their GPA on their resume. The short answer is yes, if it's 3.5 or higher. This level of achievement highlights your potential and the hard work you're willing to put in for success. 

Here's the order to list items in your Education section, with items 5 to 8 being optional:

Degree issued

Issuing institution

City and state of institution 

Graduation date (or expected graduation date, if in progress)

Relevant coursework

Student committees

Here's how your education might look laid out on your resume:

Bachelors of Science - Psychology (3.5 GPA, magna cum laude)Maryland State University

Relevant coursework: human growth and development, assessment, treatment planning, abnormal behavior

6. Emphasize your skills

Even when you don't have actual work experience, you have definitely acquired skills to support you on the job, which can set you apart from the competition. Be sure to highlight both hard and soft skills on your resume. You can do this by including a Skills section near the end, or by adding a Core Competencies section just below your Resume Summary. 

You also might be wondering what the difference is between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills that are measurable and learned. Softs skills are tangible skills that are difficult to measure. 

Examples of valuable hard skills on a resume include:

Mathematics

Computer skills

Data analysis

Project management

Social media

Language skills

Here are some common soft skills employers seek in their employees:

Communication

Problem solving

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Working well under stress

7. Add a cover letter

Even if one isn't required, it's generally a good idea to send a short cover letter along with your resume. Cover letters are where your personality comes out and you can use them to make the case for why you're the perfect candidate for this job. 

A standout cover letter can convince an employer to bring you in for an interview, even if your resume itself doesn't have all the things they'd like to see. Your cover letter provides you with the opportunity to show a bit of personality and express why you're interested in the job, as well. Be sure your cover letter uses the same font and style as your resume, for consistency. 

Elements you should never include on a resume

While there are many elements you should consider adding to your resume, career experts say there are a few things you should never include because they waste space, don't tell the employer anything relevant, or could damage your personal brand. This list includes, but is not limited to: 

Employment references

Writing samples

Photos  of yourself

Do not add this information to your resume unless an employer or recruiter asks you to provide it. 

Additional tips for a resume with no work experience 

As you develop your resume with no experience, here are a few more tips to consider. 

Take stock of your achievements and activities

Make a list of absolutely everything you've done that might be useful on a resume. From this list, you'll then need to narrow down what to actually include on your resume. Different things might be relevant to different jobs you apply for, so keep a full list and pick the most relevant things from it to include on your resume when you send it out. This will help you to identify which sections to include in lieu of work experience.

Pay attention to technical details

When editing your resume, make sure there are no punctuation, grammatical, spelling, or other errors that will make your resume look unprofessional. Then, have a friend or family member read it again to catch any mistakes you might have missed — you can't afford a typo or missing word as a candidate with no prior work experience. Also, be sure to vary your language and use action verbs throughout your resume to keep your reader engaged.

Keywords, keywords, keywords!

Most employers use some form of  applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan and sort resumes . This may seem unfair, but it's the reality of modern-day hiring. To combat this, you'll want to come up with, and include, a list of keywords in your resume when applying for any job. The best place to  find these keywords  is in the job post itself, or in ads for similar jobs. One caveat: don't use meaningless "buzzwords," such as "go-getter," "team player," and “detail-oriented." Unfortunately, sometimes these buzzwords are the only keywords listed in the ad. If that's the case, you'll need to sneak them in alongside your detailed accomplishments and academic achievements.

Customize your resume for each job you apply to

The last and most important thing to remember when creating a good resume is to  customize it for every job to which you apply . Different job postings are going to have different keywords, different job duties listed, and so on. Appealing to each individual employer's needs and job requirements is the best strategy for getting your application noticed and hopefully landing your first job.

Relevant experience goes beyond work experience

At the end of the day, the only perfect resume is the one that gets you the interview. Regardless of whether you have work experience or not, it's still possible to stand out by highlighting other types of experience that relate to the role. 

Even once you're comfortably employed, be prepared to tweak and update your resume to get noticed with each job application you submit. In the meantime, use any type of relevant experience to help you shine and land an interview. Sooner or later, you'll land that job - and gain that much-coveted relevant work experience.

Tackling this kind of resume isn't easy. If you've recently graduated or are in an entry-level job search, a  professional resume writer  can prepare you for success.

This blog was originally written by Riya Sand and has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

Recommended reading:

5 Things You Should Always Include on Your Resume

Should You Include Social Media on Your Resume?

How to Be a Great Candidate Even If You're Under-Qualified for the Job

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Is Your Resume Inspirational? If Not, Here's How to Fix It

7 Ways You Try Too Hard in Job Applications

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

Whether you’re a student, you’ve just graduated, or if you’ve been with one company for a long time, creating a resume when you have little to no work experience can be a challenge.

However, though it can seem intimidating, it’s completely possible to catch a potential employer’s eye – with or without a great deal of professional experience.

Here are three essential job seeker tips perfect for new grads, students, and candidates changing their career paths that will help you land the interview without years of experience on your resume.

1. Write a Summary

While objectives are a thing of the past, summaries work well for people who have limited work experience. They’re the best place you can explain why you should get the job on your resume, instead of listing an impersonal series of dates and places.

All you need to do is write a sentence or two about who you are as a potential employee and any relevant skills or achievements.

As well, if you recently graduated from high school or college, mention your new status in your summary. It will help explain why you have limited experience.

2. Highlight Your Skills

While you may have little or no work experience to discuss on your resume, you’re sure to have skills that you may have acquired in school or while volunteering that qualify you for the job.

One way to highlight them is to break down these skills into individual lists of hard and soft skills for your resume. Draw employers’ attention to these relevant soft and hard skills as a heading and list achievements related to these skills under the appropriate heading.

Check out an example of a functional resume here .

[sc name=”cta-create-resume-1″]

3. Don’t Forget Unpaid Work Experience

Internships or volunteer opportunities can still count as work experience. If you worked as an intern or volunteered for a significant period of time, include the position on your resume.

Since you already listed your skills on your resume, you don’t need to rehash this information when you are listing internships and volunteer work. Just be sure that you mention the company or not-for-profit organization, the months and years you were in the position and your title.

If you earned any awards specific to one of these positions, it makes sense to list it under the associated position, as well.

Even With Little to No Work Experience…

Building a resume when you have limited work experience can be tough, but it’s definitely possible to make it work. Everyone has to start somewhere, but you don’t have to send in a sparse resume when you are new to the job market.

Emphasize the hard and soft skills that make you the best person for the job with a resume summary and a  functional resume template .

Plus, there are countless ways you can enrich your job application outside of your resume. Try building up your personal brand using social media or learn how starting a blog could help you get your dream job here .

Just starting out in your career? Take advantage of Resume.com’s free resume samples and  resume templates for your resume to get your job hunt started successfully! Publishing your resume on Resume.com will also allow employers search for your resume online! Don’t forget to check out our online job listings to get started on where to apply!

Top Student Resume Examples

• 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Looking for a good student resume example? You’re probably gearing up to enter the workforce, secure an internship, request a scholarship or complete your college application and you know the competition is fierce. Building a student resume does not have to add to your stress.

We have the student resume examples to help you create your own, whether you’re looking for a resume example for a high school student or a college student resume example. 

From your objective statement and list of skills to your academic background and extracurricular activities, we will guide your student resume writing process and our Resume Builder will walk you through each section to ensure that you present yourself in the best possible light.

Let’s dive in and set you on the path to success!

Use this student resume template or explore the rest of our layouts on our resume templates page for more student resume templates .

Student Resume Example (Text Version)

Jamie Jobseeker

Anywhere, NY 00000 555-555-5555 [email protected] WWW: https://bold.pro/my/michael-martucci/786

Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and responsible student with strong leadership abilities and experience working with children, seeking a summer job as a Camp Counselor at XYZ Summer Camp. Committed to creating a safe and engaging environment for campers while promoting teamwork and personal growth.

• Reflective Listening
• Youth and Parental Engagement
• Group and Individual Sessions
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum
• Financial Transactions
• Cash Register Operations
• Customer Engagement

June 2022 Anywhere High Anywhere, NY High School Diploma

Professional Experience

August 2022 – Current XYZ After School Program Youth Mentor

• Mentored a group of 15 children aged 8-12 in an after-school program
• Developed and executed educational and recreational activities
• Provided homework assistance and academic support

May 2021 – Current Anywhere Burger

• Delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced environment
• Trained new staff members and coordinated shift schedules
• Managed cash transactions and ensured a balanced cash drawer

Extracurricular Activities

• Vice-President, Anywhere High Outdoors Club
• Volunteer, XYZ Animal Shelter
• General Assembly Member, Anywhere High Student Government

Essential sections of a student resume

Resume objective.

Start your student resume with a clear objective statement . So, what is an objective statement? It is two or three sentences that introduce you to the hiring manager. You should always tailor it to the application.

As a student, your objective should be a clear and concise declaration that aligns your limited work and academic experience with the needs and goals of the employer.

You can also include your academic focus and what you want to gain from the job or internship. For instance, if you’re a computer science student interested in a programming internship, your objective could state:

“ Computer Science undergrad seeking a programming internship to apply academic training, enhance coding skills, and contribute to software development projects at Company XYZ. “

The student resume skills section is crucial. It’s an opportunity to highlight what you bring to the table. There are two types of skills for your student resume:

• Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities such as proficiency in a foreign language, data analysis, or coding.
• Soft skills , on the other hand, are more personality-based like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.

While skills will be throughout your entire resume —for example your strongest skill is in your objective statement — the skills section will highlight the top skills the employer or scholarship committee is seeking.

Make sure you read the application description carefully to tailor this section to each application. List the skills that you genuinely possess and that are most relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re an engineering student skilled in Python, MATLAB, teamwork, and problem-solving, those would be excellent to list for a technical internship.

Work History

Employers and scholarship or internship committees know that most student resumes won’t have a traditional work history . There are many ways to showcase your strengths and abilities to prospective employers.

Extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, internships, part-time jobs or gigs, like babysitting and washing cars, count toward your experience. If you’ve helped a family member build a professional website or handled their business’ social media, built houses through a non-profit organization or helped at your aunt’s summer ice cream shop, you already have work experience to include in your student resume. 

The key is to focus on the responsibilities you had that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Use action verbs and, if possible, quantify your achievements.

For example, if you’ve worked as a retail associate, don’t just say “ provided customer service. ” Be more specific:

“ Managed customer inquiries and complaints, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings. “

If your work history is not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider using a functional or hybrid resume format that allows you to highlight skills and qualifications that are relevant.

For more details, read our article on the 3 most prominent resume formats .

This is a student resume. The emphasis will be on the education section since their academic experience often substitutes for work experience. Start by listing your current or most recent educational credentials and go backward from there.

Always include your degree (or expected degree), the institution you’re attending and your expected graduation date. If you have a high GPA, honors, or relevant coursework, include these as well.

As a college student resume example for a business administration major seeking a marketing internship, you might say:

“ Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at University ABC, Expected Graduation: May 2024. Relevant Coursework: Marketing 101, Consumer Behavior, Data Analytics. GPA: 3.8. “

See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder

Action verbs to use on your student resume.

Action verbs are critical for a student resume, making your contributions and achievements more dynamic and impactful by painting a vivid picture of your abilities and experiences.

Also, action verbs can help you stand out in the sea of generic student resumes; they command attention and indicate that you were actively engaged in your roles, rather than just passively present.

Additionally, action verbs are excellent for capturing the essence of your contributions in a concise manner, which is especially useful for students who need to make the most of limited work experience.

Finally, many application systems use algorithms to scan for keywords, and action verbs relevant to the job description can make your resume more likely to pass these initial screenings. 

List of action verbs students might use on their resume: 

• Collaborate

Importance of Including Skills on a Student Resume

Including skills on a student resume is crucial because it can compensate for a lack of extensive work experience. Skills serve as tangible proof of your ability to perform certain tasks or roles, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

For students, listing skills gained through academic, extracurricular, and even personal experiences can provide a comprehensive picture of their capabilities.

This section allows students to align themselves closely with the job description and showcase their suitability for the position. Additionally, listing relevant skills can help your resume get through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen for keywords related to the job.

Academic Skills

• Research and Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Academic Writing
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Presentation Skills

Extracurricular or Club Activities

• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• Conflict Resolution
• Public Speaking
• Coaching or Mentoring

Internships or Part-time Jobs

• Customer Service
• Technical Skills (such as coding)
• Sales and Marketing
• Administrative Skills
• Budget Management
• Vendor Relations
• Task Prioritization

Volunteer Work

• Community Outreach
• Social Media Management
• Event Coordination
• Teaching or Training
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability

Soft Skills (Applicable Across Various Contexts)

• Communication
• Reliability
• Stress Management
• Attention to Detail

Including licenses and certifications on your student resume

Certifications and licenses can be acquired while still pursuing an education, even while you’re still in high school! These qualifications highlight not only your interest in the field but your commitment to preparing yourself for the field. These qualifications serve as third-party validation of your skills and expertise, giving potential employers more confidence in your capabilities.

For students with limited work experience, licenses and certifications can act as an excellent substitute, signaling to employers that you have the requisite knowledge and skill set for the job.

They can also give you an edge in a competitive job market, setting you apart from other candidates who may have similar educational backgrounds but lack these additional qualifications in their student resumes.

Additionally, certain positions may require specific certifications as a prerequisite, making it crucial to include them on your resume.

Tech-Related Certifications

• CompTIA A+ (Information Technology)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification (For proficiency in Microsoft Office tools)
• Adobe Certified Associate (For skills in Adobe software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.)

First Aid and Safety

• CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (Often required for healthcare jobs and volunteering)
• Food Handlers Permit (Useful for jobs in food service)

Academic Competency

• Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam certificates (For academic achievements)

Career and Technical Education

• OSHA 10-Hour Training (For basic safety training in industrial jobs)
• NCCER Certification (For students in vocational or technical education programs)

Leadership and Personal Development

• Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program Certificate (For public speaking and leadership skills)

Specialized Skill Certifications

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Food Safety Certification
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter

What is the purpose of a student resume.

The purpose of a student resume is to showcase your academic achievements, skills and experiences to potential employers, educational institutions, scholarship or internship committees. It provides a concise summary of your qualifications and helps you stand out among other applicants.

If you are writing a resume to apply for college, see our guide on high school resumes for college applications . 

What sections should be included in a student resume?

A well-rounded student resume typically includes: a header with your contact information, education, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, work experience (if applicable), skills and any additional achievements or certifications. For more details, visit our How to Write a Resume page.

How can student resume examples be helpful in creating my own resume?

Student resume examples serve as valuable references to understand the structure, formatting and content that should be included in a resume. By reviewing different examples, you can gain insights into how to effectively present your own qualifications and tailor your resume to specific applications.

Applying for an internship? See how to write an internship resume for tips and tricks from career experts.  

Should I include my part-time job experience in my student resume?

Absolutely! Including part-time job experience in your student resume demonstrates your work ethic, time management skills and ability to balance academics with employment responsibilities. It also showcases your transferable skills that can be valuable in future professional roles. See how to write a high school graduate resume for real-world examples and expert tips. 

How can I highlight my academic achievements in my student resume?

To highlight your academic achievements, include sections such as GPA (if it is strong), relevant coursework, research projects, honors, scholarships, or any academic awards you have received. Be sure to provide specific details and quantify your accomplishments  in your student resume whenever possible.

Are there any specific tips for formatting a student resume?

When formatting your student resume, keep it clean, organized and easy to read. Use a professional font , consistent formatting and bullet points to make it visually appealing. Additionally, ensure that your resume is tailored to the application, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

What skills should I include in my student resume?

Your student resume should always include skills relevant to the application at hand.

• For a job, use the job description to match their skills to yours.
• For an internship, research the employer to include skills useful to the industry in addition to the required skills. 
• For a scholarship, include all your relevant skills according to the scholarship focus.

Consider these skills for your student resume:

• Technical skills: Include any specific technical skills you have acquired through coursework or extracurricular activities, such as programming languages, software proficiency, data analysis, or graphic design. Include skills you used for special projects, like when you helped build an application or were part of the robotics team. 
• Communication skills: Highlight your ability to effectively communicate ideas, both verbally and in writing. This includes skills such as public speaking, writing, active listening and interpersonal skills. For example, if you were the morning announcer, the emcee at special events or the editor of the school newspaper. 
• Leadership skills: Showcase any leadership roles or experiences you have had, such as being a team captain, club president, or organizing events. Highlight skills like decision making, problem-solving, delegation and teamwork. For example, did you spearhead a fundraising effort? Were you captain of the debate team?
• Time management: Emphasize your ability to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines and prioritize tasks. This demonstrates your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple responsibilities, like maintaining an excellent GPA while participating in extracurricular activities. 
• Adaptability: Showcase your flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations or challenges. This includes skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and being open to learning new technologies or concepts. For example, if you successfully participated in an exchange program. 
• Collaboration: Highlight your ability to work well in a team environment and contribute to group projects. Showcase skills such as teamwork, cooperation and conflict resolution, like skills learned if you were part of an athletics team, or participated in a large club.
• Initiative: Demonstrate your proactive nature by including examples of taking initiative, being self-motivated and showing a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected. For example, did you start a new club? Did you create a proposal for a special day for a class?

Do’s and Don’ts for Writing a Student Resume

• Highlight Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Involvement : Use your student resume to showcase academic successes such as a high GPA, honors, or relevant coursework. Also, include any extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports you’ve participated in, as these can demonstrate soft skills like teamwork and leadership.
• Tailor the Resume for Each Application : Customize your student resume for each job, internship or scholarship application by focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Always include keywords from the application description, especially when applying to a job, to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager’s attention.
•  Use a Clean, Professional Template : Opt for a straightforward, easily-readable font and layout. Use bullet points for better readability and employ action verbs to make your experiences sound more impactful. Consistency in formatting, such as the use of dates, bullet points and headers, is crucial for a polished student resume look.
• Don’t Use a One-Size-Fits-All Approach : Avoid sending the same generic resume to multiple employers and internships, even if the roles are almost identical. A lack of customization could imply a lack of genuine interest or effort, which could reduce your chances of landing the job or internship. Instead, tailor each resume to the application by incorporating keywords from the application description.
• Don’t Overload with Irrelevant Information : While it might be tempting to fill the page, keep the focus on quality over quantity. Only include experiences, skills and achievements that are directly or tangentially relevant to the application. You can always delve further into your experiences in your cover letter.
• Don’t Forget to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can be an instant turn-off to the hiring manager or committee. Always proofread your resume multiple times, and consider having a friend, family member, or career counselor review it for additional perspective. Our Resume Builder has a built-in spelling and grammar checker to catch any errors that you may have missed.

Top tips for student resumes

Start with a strong objective or summary.

Begin your student resume with a succinct objective statement that outlines your career goals and why you’re a good fit for the job, internship or scholarship. When writing, do it as if this is the only section the hiring manager would read and make sure it is tailored to the specific role you’re applying for.

Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects

Emphasize the relevant courses you’ve taken and projects you’ve worked on, especially if you have no work experience for your student resume. This will show employers that you have foundational knowledge and interest in your field of study.

Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

Describe your experiences using action verbs to add dynamism to your student resume and make your contributions stand out. Whenever possible, include quantifiable achievements to give a sense of the impact you’ve made. For example, “ Led a team of five on a project that increased fundraising revenue by 20%. “

Include a Skills Section

Your student resume must include a dedicated skills section with both hard and soft skills. This makes it easy for employers to see your skill set at a glance and also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems that scan for specific keywords.

Proofread and Get Feedback

Before finalizing your student resume, thoroughly proofread for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies. It’s also a good idea to seek feedback from mentors, career counselors, or friends who can offer constructive criticism.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• Microsoft Learn Student Certifications
• U.S. News 15 Certification Programs for Careers That Pay Well
• College Board’s Big Future What Are Certifications and Certificates?
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Certifications Make Students Career- Ready
• The Princeton Review Write a High School Student Resume for College Applications
• Union County Public Schools Student Resume Information
• University of Washington Key Elements of a Resume

Rate this article

Student Resume Example

4.5/5 stars with 102 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

• Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
• Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
• Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
• Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
• Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

• The best times of year to job search
• How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), how to beat applicant tracking systems with your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, what happens when you lie on your resume 10 risks, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, guide to resume sections, titles, and headings, 12 resume formatting tips from a professional, how artificial intelligence (ai) is changing resume writing, 22 resume bullet point examples that get interviews, are resume writers worth it, 7 thoughts on “resume summary with no experience: examples for students and fresh graduates”.

This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

• English (UK)
• Français (CA)

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap "Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

• Resume Examples
• Student Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

Student Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

Our customers have been hired by:

Writing a student resume is not easy, but so is looking for a job as a student, after all. The challenge is always the same: so much competition, and seems like all of them have way more professional experience than you.

It will take a perfect student resume to impress recruiters and get your foot in the door. Seem impossible? I’m going to teach you how to make a job-winning student resume in a flash.

This guide will show you:

• A student resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a student resume that will land you more interviews.
• Students' resume format to use in your application.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a resume for students to make hiring you a no-brainer.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Below, you'll see a full student resume example to get you inspired. If you're looking for more specific information, we have resume guides no matter which level of education you’ve accomplished:

• Teen Resume
• High School Student Resume
• High School Graduate Resume
• High School Resume Templates
• College Freshman Resume
• Current College Student Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• Student Resume Templates
• Nursing Student Resume
• Law Student Resume
• Internship Resume for College Students
• Engineering Student Resume
• Psychology Student Resume
• Samples of Resumes

Student Resume Example

Justin Grimes

Junior Editorial Assistant

[email protected]

502-555-0115

linkedin.com/in/rickygrimes93

Career Objective

MA Student in English at Stanford University, made the Dean’s List for three consecutive years (2015-2017), with two study abroad experiences and a semester-long research internship in Oxford, UK looking to use my strong research and writing skills, as well as my expertise in contemporary literature in the position of Editorial Assistant at Penguin Random House.

MA in English, Stanford University

Expected to graduate in 2019

• Favorite fields of study: American Poetry: From Modernism to Postmodernism, Creative Expression in Writing, Creative Nonfiction
• Thesis title: "An Analysis of the Impact of 1940s Blues Culture on the Poetic Expression of the Members of Harlem Renaissance"

Key achievement: Awarded $15,000 2017 Drue Heinz Literature Prize for a collection of short stories "Your Latest Trick."

BA in Comparative Literature, Stanford University

2014–2018

• Favorite fields of study: Introduction to Literary Study: Comparison, Cosmopolitanism, and the Global Novel, Literature Gone Viral, Digital Humanities, Radical Arts, Re-thinking Derrida, Being as a Spectacle
• Thesis title: "Towards the Derridian Deconstruction of the Notion 'Biography' on the Basis of Julian Barnes' 1984 novel 'Flaubert's Parrot'"

Extracurricular activities and achievements:

• Dean's List 2015–2017
• President of the undergraduate student board from 2016 to 2017.
• Started and ran a discussion club on Russian Postmodernist Literature.
• Chief Editor of the University Blog from 2016 to 2018.

Awards and Honors

• 2017, Drue Heinz Literature Prize
• 2017, Dean's List, Stanford University
• 2016, Dean's List, Stanford University
• 2015, Dean's List, Stanford University

Work Experience

Part-Time Editorial Intern

Faber and Faber, Stanford

2016-06–2017-09

• Assisted in hiring and managing a pool of freelancers as needed, including development editors, copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, recipe testers, and technical editors, including remote and on-site employees.
• Assisted in the development, design, and preparation of sales materials.
• Collected and distributed incoming mail and processed outgoing mail.
• Served as the primary contact for incoming phone calls.
• Provided general and editorial support to the staff as requested.
• Academic Writing
• Literary Criticism
• Creative Writing
• Russian—Bilingual
• Spanish—Advanced
• Portuguese—Intermediate

Now that's an effective and simple resume template ! Let's see how it got made—

1. Get Started on Writing Your Student Resume

Before you start writing your resume , you might want to learn that it will most likely get no more than 7 seconds of the recruiter’s attention, according to our HR statistics report . How can you turn that 6-second glance into a 60-minute interview? To begin with, choose the proper student resume format.

Recruiters look for very specific information on a resume. A good resume format serves them this information on a silver platter. The most important thing about formatting your student resume is dividing it into sections.

Your student resume should include the following sections:

• Resume header (containing your contact information )
• Resume objective
• Education section
• Work experience (if you’ve got none, let’s skip this section for now)
• Additional sections

Once you’ve got this simple student resume outline , remember some basic formatting rules.

Here are the seven best resume tips you should follow:

• Choose an attractive resume font that’s easy to read.
• Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Set the margins for one inch on all four sides.
• Align your content to the left for easy skimming.
• Make section headings larger than the rest of the text; type them in bold or ALL CAPS.
• Get photos off your resume . You’re looking for a job, not a date.
• Aim for a one-page resume . A two-page resume is for more experienced candidates.
• Save your student resume in PDF . This way, your layout will remain intact. But double-check the job description. Some employers don’t accept PDFs. If such is the case, submit your student resume in Word.

Right, so now you’ve seen a sample student resume layout, and you’ve learned the most important resume design tricks. Let’s break down each section of your chronological resume .

If you want to make sure you’ll get your student resume template the right way and grab every recruiter’s attention, here’s a must-read guide for you: Standard Resume Formats

2. Make an Education Section That Gets You the Job

What goes under the summary of qualifications or resume heading statement on a student resume? That’s right, the Education section. Here’s how to ace it:

• Highlight only your highest degree. The only exception? If you’re doing or have done a Master’s degree, include also your Bachelor’s. 
• Put your current or most recent educational institution at the top. Then, follow it with the previous ones. Skip high school if already in college.
• Include in each entry:
• Your degree
• The name of your institution
• Graduation date (or a prospective graduation date if you’re still in this school)
• Your major and minors (if applicable)
• Add the following to your education entries:
• Relevant coursework
• Favorite fields of study
• Thesis/dissertation titles
• Key academic achievements, e.g., Dean's List
• Study abroad
• Extracurricular activities and student involvement

Let’s have a look at some examples of student resume education sections:

Education Section on a Student Resume: Example

Wow, right? Even if this candidate doesn’t have a lot of experience, their education section makes hiring her a no-brainer.

What if you’re still studying? In your high school student resume, include an expected completion date like this:

Education Section on a Student Resume: Example [Ongoing Education]

Flowerville High Expected completion date: 2019 Current GPA: 3.7

Key achievements:

• Student Body President and AP Student
• Awarded the Best School Theatre Performer Prize in 2017

Now let’s move to the next section: your professional experience.

Pro Tip:  Listing your GPA is optional . In general, add it only if it’s higher than 3.5. The most important part? Be consistent. If you list more than one educational institution you’ve attended—either include all GPAs, or none.

3. Impress Recruiters with Your Work Experience Section 

Did you know that 66% of hiring managers report that they view new college grads “as unprepared for the workplace”? That’s why trying to highlight your relevant experience is so important.

In your student resume experience section, list all your past professional experiences. Think you don’t have any? Think again. Even the smallest activities count, including:

• Internship experience
• Part-time jobs
• Personal projects
• Volunteer experience
• Participation in work experience programs
• Freelancing experience
• Extracurricular student activities

So, do just as you did with education: 

• Re-read the job description carefully to tailor your resume perfectly.
• List your work experiences in reverse chronological order. Start with the last one, then add the one before it, then the one before, and so on.
• Talk about your accomplishments on a resume .
• Add some resume action words .
• Quantify your achievements.
• Highlight the most impressive achievement in a separate bullet point .

Let’s see some examples.

Student Resume Example: Work Experience Section

This candidate looks like an achiever. And that’s what recruiters want.

And what if you’ve got no internship experience to showcase yet? 

High School Student Resume Example: Work Experience Section

This candidate might not have an all-star professional experience. But the entry above clearly shows dedication, attention to detail, and a good team player.

Alright. So now you’ve got your education and work experience sections taken care of. Job done? Not yet. Here’s where the student resume skills section comes in!

If you ever need a recap of resume best practices, see: How to Create a Resume for Any Job

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Include Relevant Skills on Your Student Resume

Having a list of relevant skills on your student resume will impress the hiring manager. A mix of soft and hard skills is the way to go. But how to do it right?

Here’s how to list skills on a student resume properly:

• Read the job description again. 
• Highlight all the relevant skills you’ve noticed.
• Write a master list of all the hard and soft skills you have. 
• Pay special attention to your soft skills . A study found out what skills employers value most in their student candidates include problem-solving, the ability to work in a team, communication skills, and leadership the most.
• List up to 10 professional skills on your resume that the company you’re applying to prioritizes. Try to search for the clues in the job ad and on their website!
• Be as specific as possible when talking about your skills, especially hard skills. 

Let’s have a look at some skills you might want to include on your resume:

• Communication Skills
• Detail-Oriented Skill
• Organizational Skills
• Customer Service Skills
• Stress Management
• Active Listening
• Teamwork Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• MS Office Skills
• Creative Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Leadership Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Technical Skills
• Computer Skills

A good list of skills is crucial for every student resume. But what about some things that won’t fit in all these sections? Let’s find out in the next chapter.

Want to learn more about employability skills ? Here’s the guide you need: 30+ Resume Skills Examples to Put on a Resume

5. The Secret Behind Additional Sections on a Student Resume

Most students end their resumes with their skills section. And that’s one of the reasons they struggle to get a job. Want to outshine other candidates? Throw an additional section in your student resume. Show hiring managers that others have awarded and appreciated your skills and experience.

What to put in the additional section on your student resume?

• Licenses & certifications
• Language skills
• Conferences you attended
• Publications on a resume
• Memberships and associations
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• Honors and awards (such as magna cum laude or summa cum laude or making the dean's list )

Let’s see some examples:

Student Resume Examples—Additional Sections

Now your student resume is almost ready. Only one thing left to do: summarize it.

Learn how to take care of your online presence to impress employers and start getting more job offers: How to Check Your Online Presence

6. How to Write a Resume Objective for a Student Resume

A resume objective is a short, snappy paragraph in which you say why you’re the perfect candidate. You have to make your student resume objective about your employer’s gain, not your personal benefit.

And the good news? There’s a proven formula for that:

[Adjective(s)/Certificate(s)] [Your Job Title or Degree] seeking employment as [Position Name] at [Company Name] to apply my [Your Relevant Skills] to help [What Do You Want To Help The Company Achieve].

See how it works on an example of a student resume objective. Let’s say our candidate majors in Business Administration:

Sample Student Resume Objective [Experienced Candidate]

Writing a student resume with no experience ? The formula is the same. In this student resume objective example, the candidate is looking for a part-time job as a server:

Student Resume Objective Example [Candidate with No Experience]

Notice how both the grad resume objective and the high school student resume objective emphasize how the two candidates will use their talents to benefit their future employers.

Also—both sample student resume objectives above include the name of the prospective company. That’s a strategy you have to use, too. Sure, it means you cannot randomly spam your resume around. And that’s the point. Employers are more likely to give you a shot if you address them personally.

Before sending your resume, let me teach you one last thing: writing a cover letter .

Pro Tip: Don’t make your student resume objective longer than 60 words. Sometimes a simple resume headline will do. Feel like it’s not enough? Follow up with a cover letter. Especially if you haven’t got much relevant experience , a good student cover letter is your best chance for getting a foot in the door!

7. Write a Cover Letter to Match Your Student Resume

As a student, you probably don’t have enough achievements to fill up your resume to the brim. And cover letters do what even the best resumes can’t: they tell a story. And humans love stories a lot more than data sheets.

Do employers read cover letters ? 45 out of 100 recruiters won’t even be bothered to open your student resume if there’s no cover letter attached. So writing a cover letter basically doubles your chances of landing that interview.

Whether you’re writing an internship cover letter or a college student cover letter , the rules are pretty much the same:

• Format your cover letter to make it consistent with your resume.
• Start your cover letter strongly to grab the reader’s attention.
• Keep the correct length of your cover letter . Anything longer than a page might be too long. 
• End your cover letter properly to leave your reader with a great impression of you as a candidate.

And there you have it. You now know everything about creating a perfect application. So let’s recap what we’ve learned here today, shall we?

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Getting your first job is hard work. Preparing your graduate resume shouldn’t be. As a student, you’ve got the skills and education it takes to do a good job. It’s just harder to convince a hiring manager that you’ve learned to apply them.

Here's a recap of how to write a student resume:

• Follow the expert student resume sample for inspiration.
• Focus on your education: mention your academic achievements and relevant coursework.
• Add extracurricular activities: clubs, sports, and community service can show your abilities and skills.
• Include relevant jobs in the work experience section: even part-time jobs or volunteering.
• Create a skills section: highlight most relevant abilties.
• Don’t forget to include links to your SFW and employer-friendly social media profiles.
• Add an objective or summary and put it at the very top of your resume.
• Keep your document tidy: avoid "eye-catching" decorative elements and graphics.
• Finish off with a cover letter.

All check? Get ready for interview calls!

Need more details? Still not sure how to make a resume for students? Write us a comment with your problem and we will help you solve it. Thanks for reading!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.naceweb.org/about-us/press/2017/the-key-attributes-employers-seek-on-students-resumes/
• http://www.naceweb.org/store/2017/job-outlook-2018/

Frequently Asked Questions about Student Resumes

How do you write a college resume.

Like writing any job application, it’s important to include all of the essential parts of a resume . Follow these steps to write a student resume tailored to the job :

• Add your full name, contact information and LinkedIn profile at the top of the resume .
• Write a professional career objective statement (or a resume summary if you already have some relevant experience to put on your resume ).
• List any relevant work experience you have. 
• Make an education section that gives in-depth info about your qualifications.
• Create a list of skills relevant to the job.
• Add certifications, awards, or conferences you attended.
• List languages you know , including your proficiency levels.
• Mention interests that can make you stand out from other applicants.
• Fit the information in one page—you may want to pick a one-page resume template for help.

Remember that your education must work to your advantage. Don’t simply list the school you attend or graduated—add relevant coursework, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, student projects, organizations you joined, and other things that show you have versatile experience. You may also consider putting references on your resume .

How to make a resume for a high-school student?

Getting good jobs for teens may be difficult. To create an effective high-school student resume , follow these steps:

• Add your name, surname, and contact details at the top of the resume .
• Write a career objective or a resume summary that can catch the recruiter’s attention.
• Mention any relevant work experience, such as part-time jobs, tutoring, babysitting, etc.
• Expand your education section with extracurricular activities, school projects, etc.
• Make a list of skills you’ve got that are relevant to the job description.
• List additional information on the resume , such as certifications or awards you received.
• Add languages you know, and mention the proficiency levels, too.
• Put hobbies you’ve got that may show useful knowledge and relevant abilities.

Use a professional resume layout to show you’re serious about getting a job. Then, write a brief message to email your resume to an employer .

What type of resume should students use?

That’s a valid question, as using the wrong format is a big resume DON’T . The reverse-chronological format is recommended for most college and high school students. It’s favored by recruiters, it’s scannable by ATS resume software, and it’s easy to read because it has a logical resume structure . Students with little to no work experience can list the education section right after the resume objective or summary in order to make their academic accomplishments stand out and make a good impression.

Other than the reverse-chronological format, students may also go for a combination resume . This resume format highlights the skills together with the candidate’s experience.

How to put college on resume if you haven't graduated yet?

Students who haven’t graduated don’t need to worry about listing college on a resume. Simply, instead of writing the year of graduation, they may say “Expected graduation in…” or “Expected to graduate in …”

When creating a college resume, students should focus on expanding their education section. Don’t just simply write your major and years of study! Add relevant coursework, academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, academic projects, and anything else that shows your abilities, like scholarships or Phi Beta Kappa membership . 

If you’re already in college, you don’t need to describe your high school experience in much detail. Just add the name of the school and years of study. Your high-school grades and other additional info shouldn’t be included in your resume .

How do you write a resume if you have no experience?

Everyone feels self-conscious about not having enough work experience. Some are even tempted to lie about their career in a resume , but that’s a very bad idea. If you truly haven’t worked before, you must think of other types of experiences that might back you up in a student resume. These might include:

• Academic projects on a resume : Maybe you helped to organize a school event? Wrote articles to a student’s newspaper? Updated the school website? Presided in a debate club? All of these activities can be included in your resume.
• Academic accomplishments on a resume : While awards are impressive, it’s not just about that. Participating in research, writing papers, editing the student’s journal, running a Facebook page for an organization—all of these experiences are valuable.
• Interests on a resume : Do you use your time for creative work? Maybe you enjoy designing posters for your favourite movies? Or write reviews of restaurants you visited? Think of anything that can be relevant to the job you want.
• Volunteering on a resume : As a volunteer, you may help to organize fundraising activities, teach or mentor children, learn to cook for large groups of people, assist disabled persons, and much more.

If you lack experience to put on a resume, consider participating in volunteer projects in your area, signing up for an online certification course to learn a new high-income skill , or spending your free time in a constructive way. It might not sound as relaxing as Netflix & Chill, but it may pay off in your future!

What to write ‘about me’ in a resume for students?

It’s important to describe yourself professionally in a resume . But rather than simply writing something about yourself, opt for a resume summary or a career objective. These types of resume profiles are more valuable for hiring managers, as they provide a better overview of the candidate’s qualifications.

When writing your resume profile, remember to include:

• Highest level of education: your academic degree or the high school class you recently graduated.
• Relevant skills: choose abilities you’ve got that match the job description.
• Impressive achievements: pick something you accomplished during part-time jobs, school activities, or academic experiences.
• What you can do for the employer: say how your skills and knowledge can assist the company.

That’s one of the elements that make a good resume . Your student’s resume profile should be about 3–4 sentences long, so much shorter than a typical school essay!

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

Resume Sections & Categories (with Tips on Order & Titles)

Wondering how to organize your resume? Which resume sections to include and which to skip? Ready our guide and get tips for experts! (Examples Included)

50+ Best Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024

Don’t have much time, but need a good resume ASAP? Here’s a master list of the best resume tips out there, plus a bonus to make your life easier.

Entry Level Resume Examples for 2024 [Templates & Tips]

Everybody starts somewhere. And to start, you need an entry-level resume. Learn all you need to make the best entry-level application, together with skills and summary.

Our Recommendations

• Best Small Business Loans for 2024
• Businessloans.com Review
• Biz2Credit Review
• SBG Funding Review
• Rapid Finance Review
• 26 Great Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs
• Startup Costs: How Much Cash Will You Need?
• How to Get a Bank Loan for Your Small Business
• Articles of Incorporation: What New Business Owners Should Know
• How to Choose the Best Legal Structure for Your Business

Small Business Resources

• Business Ideas
• Business Plans
• Startup Basics
• Startup Funding
• Franchising
• Success Stories
• Entrepreneurs
• The Best Credit Card Processors of 2024
• Clover Credit Card Processing Review
• Merchant One Review
• Stax Review
• How to Conduct a Market Analysis for Your Business
• Local Marketing Strategies for Success
• Tips for Hiring a Marketing Company
• Benefits of CRM Systems
• 10 Employee Recruitment Strategies for Success
• Sales & Marketing
• Social Media
• Best Business Phone Systems of 2024
• The Best PEOs of 2024
• RingCentral Review
• Nextiva Review
• Ooma Review
• Guide to Developing a Training Program for New Employees
• How Does 401(k) Matching Work for Employers?
• Why You Need to Create a Fantastic Workplace Culture
• 16 Cool Job Perks That Keep Employees Happy
• 7 Project Management Styles
• Women in Business
• Personal Growth
• Best Accounting Software and Invoice Generators of 2024
• Best Payroll Services for 2024
• Best POS Systems for 2024
• Best CRM Software of 2024
• Best Call Centers and Answering Services for Busineses for 2024
• Salesforce vs. HubSpot: Which CRM Is Right for Your Business?
• Rippling vs Gusto: An In-Depth Comparison
• RingCentral vs. Ooma Comparison
• Choosing a Business Phone System: A Buyer’s Guide
• Equipment Leasing: A Guide for Business Owners
• HR Solutions
• Financial Solutions
• Marketing Solutions
• Security Solutions
• Retail Solutions
• SMB Solutions

How Grads Can Get the Job With Limited Work Experience

Table of Contents

If you graduate from college with a resume lacking experience, internships or extracurricular activities in your field, finding a job can seem daunting. But much of this worry is unfounded. In fact, getting a job with limited experience is typically easier than you might think. We’ll explore some reliable ways to get a job right out of college with limited experience on your resume. [Related read: Tips for Creating a Great Resume ]

How do you get hired with limited experience?

If you’ve just graduated from college and are heading into the job hunt with limited experience, take the following steps to increase your chances of getting hired.

1. Create different resume variations.

By tailoring your resume to the job instead of using a generic version for each application, you improve your chances of standing out in a stack of resumes. Spend time adapting your resume to each job while noting the position’s broader category and the job description’s keywords.

When creating resume variations, here are some elements to keep in mind:

• Highlight relevant experience. For example, if you’re applying for a management position, include relevant leadership experience in clubs or internships that show you’d be a strong fit to become a first-time manager . On the flip side, sharing that you were a food columnist at your college’s student newspaper likely has no relevance to the position and doesn’t merit space on your resume. If you’re applying to be an entry-level chef, however, your food column may regain relevance and demonstrate your culinary knowledge.
• Find the job’s broader category. Alexander Lowry, a professor of finance at Gordon College, advises breaking down the job description to understand which broad category your job falls under. From there, you can tweak your resume. “Someone is hired to do one of three things: Make the company money, save the company money, or make the boss’s job easier,” Lowry said. “Find out which the job fulfills. Then, tailor your resume to address that problem.”
• Use the job listing’s keywords. It’s also important to read the job description in search of keywords. Many companies use applicant tracking software to help sort through the early resume rounds. If your resume doesn’t address what the employer is looking for in the job description, there’s a good chance the hiring manager won’t ever even see it. “Your [resume] … should effectively communicate that you’ve developed a variety of skills that allowed you to make a real impact,” said Alex Sereno, who works in talent acquisition at Riot Games. “Define the skills in a way that online resume technology will recognize, and keep your formatting very simple for that same reason.”

To make your resume stand out from other candidates’ resumes, focus on format and word choice, and keep your information concise.

2. Showcase your skill set and meaningful extracurricular experiences.

While candidates may lack formal work experience, they still likely possess relevant skills or meaningful experience in related work. Showcase experiences that can translate to the workforce by highlighting extracurricular activities in which you excelled in college.

• Highlight leadership experience. For example, serving as your school’s club lacrosse president might not seem like it’s connected to a job as a project manager, but the leadership experience may separate you from other candidates. “College students who were elected team captains, elected members of the college’s student council, editors of a college publication, stage managers, student directors of a college theater production, or officers in any student organization can likely recount some recent leadership or management experiences,” said Timothy Wiedman, a retired associate professor of management and human resources at Doane University. “Accomplishing group goals while directing the work of other students is a skill that can often transfer to an employment setting.”
• Showcase unique experiences and accolades. Include volunteer experience, athletic achievements and GPA to indicate your value. These accolades and experiences don’t necessarily need to be in a separate portion of your resume. “Unpaid positions can be listed just like jobs within the experience section of your resume; they don’t need to be relegated to a volunteer section,” said Kelly Donovan, a writer of executive resumes and job search coach. “Your description can make it clear that this was an unpaid volunteer role.”
• Share student roles. Donovan noted that your role as a student can be listed just like a job in the experience section. “You can write bullet points highlighting interesting projects you worked on while in school that would be relevant to your target jobs.”

3. Develop your personal brand through an online portfolio.

LinkedIn and various social media platforms let students showcase their talent to employers 24 hours a day. Include a well-designed resume, detailed skills explanations and a portfolio of work from internships or classes to impress potential employers.

For those with limited work experience, an active and professional LinkedIn profile can make a world of difference in the hiring process.

“Recent graduates should know that a paper resume can only do so much for them,” said Andrew Selepak, director of the graduate program in social media at the University of Florida. “I encourage all of my students to create portfolio websites and LinkedIn accounts, and to list both at the top of their resume. Unlike a paper resume, an online portfolio can include multimedia as well as projects the students have completed at an internship.”

Online portfolios are an excellent way to showcase your skill set with a more interactive and visually appealing resume. Incorporate photos and videos to help the portfolio stand out.

Remember, employers want to know that you’ll add value from day one. With a great resume, portfolio and personal brand, you can showcase your abilities and impress hiring managers .

“In a world of unique disruption, allowing the resume to showcase the skills a candidate can deliver helps immensely when work experience is limited,” said Carole Stizza, work success coach at Relevant Insight. “Limited work history doesn’t mean you don’t have immense value.”

Opt for an online portfolio over a digital resume. This way, you can more vividly and dynamically show employers your value.

How do you gain relevant experience while in school?

If you’re still in school, you can take steps to gain relevant experience that will appeal to future employers – and you don’t necessarily have to work while completing your degree.

• Network with people in your field. They say it’s all about who you know, and often, they’re right. While a hiring manager might not think much of your low-experience resume, someone who knows you might see your potential. That person can vouch for you with hiring managers they know or even hire you at their own company.
• Participate in relevant extracurricular activities. Let’s say you’re double-majoring in mechanical engineering and computer engineering, and your double-major has you too busy for much else. With your limited time to spare, low-key involvement with your school’s robotics club can give you excellent experience to list on your resume. Detailing your accomplishments with the club can sway hiring managers in your favor.
• Take an internship. If you can afford to take an internship , doing so is arguably the best way to gain experience while you’re in school. Try turning your summer internship into a school-year experience – you can list that entire period on your resume to make it seem more job-like. See if you can get college credit for your internship so you can kill two birds with one stone. And if you find a paid internship, even better.

If you’re on the other end of the spectrum (a workforce veteran), it’s important to age-proof your resume by focusing on recent experience and omitting older positions.

How many entry-level jobs require prior experience?

According to an August 2021 LinkedIn study, 35% of roughly 3.8 million entry-level jobs posted on LinkedIn from December 2017 onward required prior experience . The study’s authors noted that, upon posting the survey in August 2021, the percentage of entry-level jobs requiring experience was 38.4%.

The study also found that the percentage of entry-level jobs that require prior experience varies tremendously by industry. In software, the corresponding figure was 60.3%; in retail, it was 8.2%.

Max Freedman contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

Building Better Businesses

Insights on business strategy and culture, right to your inbox. Part of the business.com network.